Backpacking Guide

Here at Nomad, we’ve been getting backpackers properly prepared for travel for over 25 years. We’re able to provide backpackers with the best travel health, safety and kit advice and have created this helpful guide to get you ready for your big adventure.

Sun, Sea & Sex..

• If you have unprotected sex you are at risk of many infections & diseases: Chlamydia, genital warts, HIV and Hepatitis B to name a few.
• Use a condom to avoid STI’s and unwanted pregnancy.
• Alcohol and recreational drug use will increase risk taking behaviour. Be sensible and know your limits.
• Get a sexual health check up before and after travel if you’re planning to have sex abroad.

Riding the Road

• If riding a motorcycle, moped or bicycle – always wear a helmet. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol and make sure you have the correct insurance cover, otherwise it could cost you your health and money.
• Travelling at night on public transport should be avoided where road conditions and lighting are poor.
• Road accidents abroad are the biggest cause of injury and death in travellers. Poor roads, badly maintained motor vehicles, lack of seatbelts, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol increase this risk. Some countries have no laws regarding drink driving. Always wear a seatbelt when available and travel with a medical kit.

Planning to Party

• Full moon parties, festivals and clubbing are all fun experiences but drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs could put you in difficult or dangerous situations such as being injured, robbed, sexually assaulted or even arrested.
• Many countries have very strict drug laws. You could be fined, imprisoned or even face the death penalty for possession. The UK foreign office is limited in the help they can give you.
• Beware of drink spiking. Never leave your drink unattended. Drinks can be mixed with a cocktail of harmful substances that can cause serious illness and death.

Squeaky Clean

• Minimise the risk of skin infections by showering regularly and keeping skin dry. Prevent travellers’ diarrhoea by keeping hands clean when handling food, using hand sanitizer and drink only bottled or boiled water.
• It is important that any bites, cuts, scratches and stings are kept clean with an antiseptic and covered with a plaster or dressing. This will help prevent cellulitis (infection of the skin), which if left untreated can lead to blood poisoning and may require hospitalisation.
• Take a medical kit which includes medicines to treat mosquito bites, fungal infections such as thrush and athletes foot. These are common infections in travellers.

Travel Safe

• It is important to take copies of passports/visas/Travel vaccination records/Yellow Fever certificates and insurance documents. Leave copies at home with family or friends. Have them saved to your email account so you can access them abroad.
• Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance which covers you for activities you plan to do: Such as diving, hiring a motor vehicle, travelling at altitude and any pre-existing medical conditions.

Pack a Medical Kit

With up to 50% of travellers on longer trips to many destinations suffering from diarrhoea, and road traffic accidents being the main cause of injury abroad, a medical kit really does become the most important bit of equipment in your bag.

Nomad offers a range of medical kits containing the most important items that you should travel with. Some kits even contain antibiotics – for treating various infections including the skin, ear, throat and travellers’ diarrhoea. We advise you purchase these items before travelling as some medications are not available overseas and many are counterfeit which are dangerous.

Get Properly Kitted Out

Our highly experienced travel guides will discuss your destination, itinerary, climate and planned activities to help assist you in choosing the most appropriate bag, mosquito nets and other items recommended for your trip. Having your bag & boots fitted correctly will help reduce fatigue, prevent injury and ensure comfort for the duration of your trip.

To book your kit out click here or call us on 0134 155 5061.